Carbon Lesson 5: Biological Processes Flashcards
Where are phytoplankton located?
Along coastlines and continental shelves
Along the Equator in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
High latitude areas
Why do phytoplankton locate in these regions?
Oceans rich in nutrients - upwelling of deep water
Blooms peak in spring and summer when sunlight increases
Subtropical ocean blooms decrease because surface water warms up and is buoyant, and cold, dense water is below -fewer nutrients available
What is the fastest part of the carbon cycle?
Terrestrial sequestration
What are the most productive biomes?
Tropical forests. grasslands, savannahs
Describe the process of terrestrial sequestration
1) Primary producers absorb carbon by photosynthesis and release CO2 through respiration
2) Consumer animals eat the plants and absorb the carbon - stored as fats and proteins
3) Animal dies - microorganisms and detritus feed on waste materials which become part of the microorganism - short term
4) Tissue decays in the soil. Affected by climate Releases carbon into soil to be stored
Where is decomposition fastest?
Tropical climates
What is the process of decay said to be like in Arctic regions?
Locked down for substantial periods
What is the total global carbon stocks in boreal forests?
559 Gt
What is the total global carbon stocks in tropical forests?
428 Gt
How much of global carbon do soils store?
20-30%
How many times more carbon do soils store than the atmosphere?
2x
How many times more carbon do soils store than terrestrial vegetation?
3x
How does climate affect carbon sequestration in soils?
Dictates plant growth and microbe activity. Rapid decomposition at high temps and waterlogged conditions
How much carbon do arid soils store compared to cold regions?
30 tonnes per hectare in arid
800 tonnes per hectare in cold
What type of soils have a high carbon content?
Clay soils
